Berkshire Hathaway 2001 Annual Report Download - page 20

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19
Last year, Patrick played as many as six games simultaneously with his blindfold securely in place and this
year will try for seven. Finally, Bill Robertie, one of only two players who have twice won the backgammon world
championship, will be on hand to test your skill at that game. Come to the mall on Sunday for the Mensa Olympics.
Gorat’ s my favorite steakhouse will again be open exclusively for Berkshire shareholders on Sunday,
May 5, and will be serving from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Please remember that to come to Gorat’ s on Sunday, you must
have a reservation. To make one, call 402-551-3733 on April 1 (but not before). If Sunday is sold out, try Gorat’ s
on one of the other evenings you will be in town. Show your sophistication by ordering a rare T-bone with a double
order of hash browns.
The usual baseball game will be held at Rosenblatt Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday night. This year the
Omaha Royals will play the Oklahoma RedHawks. Last year, in an attempt to emulate the career switch of Babe
Ruth, I gave up pitching and tried batting. Bob Gibson, an Omaha native, was on the mound and I was terrified,
fearing Bob’ s famous brush-back pitch. Instead, he delivered a fast ball in the strike zone, and with a Mark
McGwire-like swing, I managed to connect for a hard grounder, which inexplicably died in the infield. I didn’ t run
it out: At my age, I get winded playing a hand of bridge.
I’ m not sure what will take place at the ballpark this year, but come out and be surprised. Our proxy
statement contains instructions for obtaining tickets to the game. Those people ordering tickets to the annual
meeting will receive a booklet containing all manner of information that should help you enjoy your visit in Omaha.
There will be plenty of action in town. So come for Woodstock Weekend and join our Celebration of Capitalism at
the Civic.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Finally, I would like to thank the wonderful and incredibly productive crew at World Headquarters (all
5,246.5 square feet of it) who make my job so easy. Berkshire added about 40,000 employees last year, bringing
our workforce to 110,000. At headquarters we added one employee and now have 14.8. (I’ ve tried in vain to get
JoEllen Rieck to change her workweek from four days to five; I think she likes the national recognition she gains by
being .8.)
The smooth handling of the array of duties that come with our current size and scope – as well as some
additional activities almost unique to Berkshire, such as our shareholder gala and designated-gifts program – takes a
very special group of people. And that we most definitely have.
Warren E. Buffett
February 28, 2002 Chairman of the Board